New Jersey isn’t just about beaches and cities—it’s packed with mountains, ridges, and trails that make it a hidden paradise for hikers. Whether you’re a casual walker, photography enthusiast, or serious hiker, the Garden State has something for everyone. Here’s the 2026 guide to the top 10 mountains and hiking spots you don’t want to miss.
Location: Sussex County, NJ
Elevation: 1,803 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
High Point is the tallest mountain in New Jersey and offers one of the most iconic hiking experiences in the state. The centerpiece is the High Point Monument, a 220-foot obelisk honoring veterans, which provides sweeping views of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Monument Trail: 3.5 miles round-trip; moderate climb; great for sunrise views.
Appalachian Trail Segment: Passes through scenic forests and ridges; perfect for longer hikes.
Lake Marcia Loop: Gentle 2-mile trail for families.
Best Season: Spring to early fall for wildflowers and clear summit views. Winter is great if you enjoy snowshoeing.
Amenities: Visitor center, picnic areas, campgrounds, and restrooms.
Tip: Take the Monument Trail at sunrise for spectacular views and fewer crowds. Don’t forget water and hiking shoes with good grip.
Official Website: High Point State Park – NJDEP
2. Mount Tammany – Delaware Water Gap Beauty
Location: Worthington State Forest, NJ
Elevation: 1,526 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Mount Tammany overlooks the Delaware River and is one of New Jersey’s most photographed summits. The mountain is part of the Appalachian Trail and offers thrilling ridge walks.
Red Dot Trail: Steep, 1.5-mile climb; rocky; offers dramatic river views.
Blue Dot Trail: Gentle, 2-mile path; easier for beginners.
Loop Hike (Red + Blue): ~3 miles total; the best way to experience summit and forest trails.
Best Season: Spring and fall are ideal for wildflowers, foliage, and mild temperatures.
Amenities: Parking, picnic spots, and trail maps at Worthington State Forest.
Tip: Hike early in the morning to avoid crowds. Watch out for loose rocks on the Red Dot Trail.
Official Website: Worthington State Forest – NJDEP
3. Wawayanda State Park – Ridge Hikes and Lakeside Trails
Location: Sussex & Passaic Counties, NJ
Elevation: ~1,300 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy to strenuous
Wawayanda State Park is a 34,000-acre natural wonder. The park offers a mix of ridge hikes, lakeside trails, and segments of the Appalachian Trail. It’s perfect for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
Wawayanda Mountain Trail: Moderate climb; offers panoramic views.
Stairway to Heaven Trail: Short but steep; dramatic ridge and rock formations.
Wawayanda Lake Loop: Easy, flat trail; great for families.
Best Season: Late spring to early fall; avoid swampy areas in heavy rains.
Amenities: Picnic areas, camping, boating on Wawayanda Lake, and fishing.
Tip: Bring a camera—sunsets from the ridges are breathtaking.
Official Website: Wawayanda State Park – NJDEP
4. Bearfort Mountain – Ridge Views and Scenic Overlooks
Location: Northern NJ
Elevation: 1,460 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Bearfort Mountain combines ridge walking, rocky outcrops, and historical charm. It’s less crowded, making it perfect for those who love serene hikes.
Fire Tower Overlook: Amazing panoramic views of northern New Jersey.
Appalachian Trail Section: Connects Bearfort to nearby trails; ridge walking is rewarding.
Terrace Pond Trail: Short loop trail; great for a quick nature walk.
Best Season: Fall for foliage, spring for fresh greenery.
Amenities: Parking at trailheads, minimal facilities; pack your own snacks.
Tip: Start early to catch morning mist over the ridges. Good shoes are recommended due to rocky terrain.
5. Jenny Jump State Forest – Adventure on the Kittatinny Ridge
Location: Warren County, NJ
Elevation: ~1,200 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Jenny Jump is a hidden gem along the Kittatinny Ridge, offering panoramic views, unique geology, and quiet forest trails.
Red Trail: Moderate, 2.5 miles; leads to overlooks.
Blue and Yellow Trails: Easy loops for families.
Fire Tower Hike: Short trail to summit with exceptional vistas.
Best Season: All year; spring and fall are best for flowers and foliage.
Amenities: Camping, picnic areas, scenic overlooks.
Tip: Ideal for photography and nature observation; check the weather before hiking since some areas are exposed.
Official Website: Jenny Jump State Forest – NJDEP
6. Pyramid Mountain – Scenic Ridge & Historic Features
Location: Montville, Morris County, NJ
Elevation: ~800 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Pyramid Mountain is known for rocky ridges, scenic overlooks, and historic sites. The trails wind through forests and past glacial rock formations, including the famous Tripod Rock, a large balanced boulder perched on smaller stones.
Tripod Rock Trail: Short loop (~0.5 miles); great for photos.
Beaver Brook Trail: Moderate 2-mile hike through dense forest.
Ridge Trail: Longer option connecting to other regional trails.
Best Season: Spring for wildflowers, fall for foliage.
Amenities: Parking, picnic areas; minimal facilities—pack snacks and water.
Tip: Wear good shoes—rocks can be slippery when wet.
7. Hacklebarney State Park – River Trails & Hills
Location: Long Valley, Morris County, NJ
Elevation: ~600 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Hacklebarney State Park is a family-friendly park featuring river trails, forested hills, and historic ironworks. While the elevations are modest, the rolling hills and rocky paths make it feel adventurous.
Hacklebarney Trail Loop: ~2 miles; passes over streams and waterfalls.
Ironworks Trail: Learn about the historic iron industry while hiking.
Steep Hill Trail: Adds moderate elevation for a challenge.
Best Season: Fall for leaf-peeping, spring for riverside blooms.
Amenities: Picnic areas, fishing access, restrooms, and parking.
Tip: Hike the loop along the Black River early to spot wildlife like deer and herons.
Official Website: Hacklebarney State Park – NJDEP
8. Schooley’s Mountain – Hidden Hills & Scenic Views
Location: Washington Township, Morris County, NJ
Elevation: ~1,000 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Schooley’s Mountain offers quiet forest trails, stone overlooks, and gentle climbs, perfect for beginners and those seeking a peaceful hike. The area is historically known for mineral springs.
Schooley’s Mountain Trail: ~2 miles; shaded forest paths.
Overlook Trail: Short climb to panoramic views of surrounding hills.
Loop Trails: Connect with local trails for longer hikes.
Best Season: Year-round; spring and fall are most scenic.
Amenities: Parking areas and picnic spots; small trailhead information boards.
Tip: Combine with a visit to nearby historic towns for a full-day adventure.
9. Ramapo Mountain State Forest – Ridge Hikes & Waterfalls
Location: Mahwah, Bergen County, NJ
Elevation: ~1,200 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Ramapo Mountain is a popular hiking destination in northern NJ, known for rocky ridges, streams, and small waterfalls. The park offers challenging trails and beautiful overlooks.
Ramapo Valley Trail: Moderate 3–4 miles with rocky terrain.
Pochuck Boardwalk: Connects marshlands with ridge trails.
Watchung Overlook: A shorter, scenic viewpoint trail.
Best Season: Spring through fall; winter can be icy—hiking poles recommended.
Amenities: Trail maps, parking, and restrooms at major trailheads.
Tip: Hike early to catch wildlife and avoid crowds. Wear shoes with good traction for rocky trails.
Official Website: Ramapo Mountain State Forest – NJDEP
10. Allamuchy Mountain State Park – Lakes, Trails & Ridges
Location: Allamuchy, Warren County, NJ
Elevation: ~1,000 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Allamuchy Mountain State Park combines rolling hills, scenic lakes, and forested trails, making it ideal for both hiking and biking. Trails vary from short loops to longer ridge hikes.
Bear Swamp Trail: Moderate 2.5 miles; forest and wildlife views.
Lake Allamuchy Trail: Flat 1–2 mile loops around the lake; great for families.
Ridge Trails: Connect multiple overlooks for a half-day adventure.
Best Season: Spring to fall; winter hiking is possible with preparation.
Amenities: Parking, picnic areas, and boating access.
Tip: Bring binoculars—birds of prey and waterfowl are commonly spotted here.
Official Website: Allamuchy Mountain State Park – NJDEP
Final Thoughts
New Jersey is full of hidden hiking treasures—from the towering High Point to serene trails at Allamuchy Mountain. Whether you’re looking for a challenging ridge hike, scenic overlook, or family-friendly walk, these mountains offer breathtaking views, fresh air, and a true escape into nature. Plan ahead, wear proper footwear, and enjoy the adventure—the Garden State’s trails are waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the easiest mountain to hike in New Jersey?
For beginners, Wawayanda Lake Loop or Schooley’s Mountain offer gentle, scenic trails suitable for all ages.
2. Which trail has the best panoramic views?
High Point Monument Trail and Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail provide the most stunning vistas in New Jersey.
3. Are these trails open year-round?
Most state parks are open year-round, but some ridge trails can be icy in winter. Spring and fall are the most popular hiking seasons.
4. Do I need a permit to hike in these mountains?
No special permits are required for day hikes in New Jersey state parks. Some areas may require a parking fee.
5. Can I bring my dog on these trails?
Yes, most trails allow dogs on a leash. Always clean up after your pet and follow park rules.
